Summary: Learn how to build a pergola, erect the uprights and fit the bearers and crossbeams.
A pergola is a timber structure used as a decorative garden feature designed to bear climbing plants. Before you purchase tools or materials for the pergola, make sure you are completely sure of the location, size and design of the structure.
There are two ways of anchoring the pergola uprights in the ground; metal post spikes which are driven into the ground with a sledgehammer; or concrete footings. The method you use will depend on the size and weight of the structure you are building and the type of ground you are building it on. Firm ground is suitable for the metal post spikes, but if your garden has light soil then it is advisable to anchor the uprights in concrete. When using metal post spikes use an off cut of timber to protect the top when driving them in to the ground.
This project looks at how to build a pergola that requires the uprights to be concreted into the ground.
You can buy pergola kits from most garden centres in a variety of styles. However, if you wish to make your own, you should use softwood timber treated with preservative. To build a basic pergola structure measuring 4m (13ft) L x 2.2 m (7ft) W x 2m (6ft 6in) H you will need:
6 posts 2.7m x 100mm x 100mm or (9ft x 4in x 4in)2 bearers 4m x 100mm x 100mm (13ft x 4in x 4in)5 cross-beams 2.2m x 100mm x 100mm or (7ft x 4in x 4in)
Fix the two remaining crossbeams to the bearers using 80mm screws.
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